University of Rhode Island
Laying the Groundwork for Rhode Island’s First Public Medical School
The Challenge
With no public medical school in the state, Rhode Island faces limited access to affordable medical education and ongoing physician shortages. The University of Rhode Island is exploring whether establishing an allopathic medical school would strengthen the state’s healthcare workforce and align with its long-term educational and economic priorities.
How We Helped
Tripp Umbach conducted a comprehensive feasibility study, combining market analysis, stakeholder engagement, and financial modeling to assess the opportunity. Through collaboration with university leadership, clinical partners, and community stakeholders, the study examined physician demand, infrastructure capacity, accreditation readiness, and long-term sustainability.
The resulting report provided a clear, data-driven framework for decision-making, outlining the steps necessary to move forward — from hiring a founding dean to pursuing LCME accreditation. The study gives the University of Rhode Island and state leaders a strategic foundation to guide future planning for Rhode Island’s first public medical school.